Diverse Literature Initiative Introduced By Hoover City Schools

HOOVER, AL — Having access to a diverse array of literature is key to shaping young minds, studies have shown. And Hoover City Schools just launched an initiative that gives students access to the most diverse set of literature to date thanks to a pilot program that began in September.

Known as the Diverse Literature Initiative, the program aims to expose students to multicultural texts in order to gain better understandings of others’ backgrounds - as well as their own. The district has purchased new volumes to be placed in classrooms and libraries across the district. Titles include Just Mercy; The Boy in the Black Suit; Harbor Me, and Sunny - among others.

"This initiative shows our commitment to engage and foster empathy through diverse literature," said program overseer Dr. Autumm Jeter, HCS Director of Curriculum and Instruction.

Brock’s Gap Intermediate School, Rocky Ridge Elementary, Gwin Elementary and Green Valley Elementary are participating in this pilot program along with all HCS middle and high schools. Dr. Jeter leads a committee of nine teachers who form the DLI.

To participate, students complete a pre-and-post assessment. Then, they are encouraged to complete a cumulative survey at the conclusion of the book study.

DLI builds on the "Cover to Cover District Book Club" that began a few years back by former Chief Academic Officer Dr. Cindy Adams. "Cover to Cover" encouraged the reading and exploration of more diverse book titles for Hoover schools.

DLI committee members, teachers and others plan to generate interest in the Diverse Literature Committee on social media by using #HCSDLI and posting photos/video whenever possible.